God’s Grandeur – Reflection on Matthew 6:19-23
One of my favorite poems is by Gerard Manely Hopkins, titled God’s Grandeur. Here are the beginning lines:
Based on the many clues from the extraordinary beauty we see all around us, the pinnacles of good feelings we have, and the presence of Jesus, we are full of treasures in our hearts from heaven. We can solidify heaven’s Divine existence immersed inside by being present for others, living righteously, and despite all those influences filled with darkness, to love. With the treasure of love’s purity, we can be and do as St. Francis says by “Preaching the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” To see with our hearts allows our whole self to become holy and humbly express God’s grandeur.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 6:19-23 – Scripture (NRSV Bible)
Concerning Treasures
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The Sound Eye
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; 23 but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this daily Gospel reading and considering this Matthew 6:19-23 Reflection – Humbly Express God’s Grandeur.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings or other contemplative material to this Web-based ministry? Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
1. Source: Gerard Manley Hopkins: Poems and Prose (Penguin Classics, 1985)
This site has permission in writing from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Matthew 6 Bible passage.
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